English Grammar: Pronouns

Pronouns — Pronouns Used as Adjectives

The possessive forms of the personal pronouns are often used with nouns in much the same way as adjectives are used to modify nouns. Although they function as adjectives when they are placed before the noun, they still retain the idea of possession. For that reason, they are called possessive adjectives to distinguish them from other types of adjectives.

In the sentence, Paul forgot his coat, the possessive form of the pronoun he, which is his, is used as an adjective modifying the noun coat. It also shows that the coat belongs to Paul. Therefore, it is called a possessive adjective. All the adjectives in the following sentences show possession. They are called possessive adjectives.

Possessive Forms of Personal Pronouns Used as Adjectives

These are her gloves. (modifies gloves)

I bought their home. (modifies home)

Did you bring your violin? (modifies violin)

The dog lost its collar. (modifies collar)

We like our new radio. (modifies radio)

Do you like my new coat? (modifies coat)

The manager has his report. (modifies report)

Demonstrative and indefinite pronouns are also used as adjectives. Demonstrative pronouns that function as adjectives are often called demonstrative adjectives because they have not lost their pointing out function. In the following sentences the demonstrative pronouns are used as adjectives:

This camera belongs to Jane. (modifies camera)

Those apples are delicious. (modifies apples)

That man is an army officer. (modifies man)

These cards are Easter cards. (modifies cards)

Indefinite pronouns used as adjectives are generally regarded as pure adjectives, although they may be called indefinite adjectives. They have no special function. The following examples illustrate their use as adjectives:

Each girl carried a flag. (modifies girl)

Both men received a promotion. (modifies men)

Neither answer is correct. (modifies answer)

Many soldiers were on that ship. (modifies soldiers)

Any mechanic could do that job. (modifies mechanic)

Several tables were ruined. (modifies tables)

Interrogative pronouns are also often used as adjectives. Since the adjective is the word that asks the question, these adjectives are called interrogative adjectives. In the sentence, Which house did you buy? the word which asks the question. It is also an adjective modifying the noun house. Note how the pronouns are used to ask questions in the following sentences:

What newspapers does he read? (modifies newspapers)

Whose name did he call? (modifies name)

Which play do you like best? (modifies play)